Invisalign® Clear Aligners: A Comfortable and Discreet Alternative to Braces
When traditional metal braces are too intrusive or uncomfortable, Invisalign® clear braces are an excellent alternative. Some people avoid traditional brackets and wires because their smiles are often seen in public, and they do not want visible hardware. Others find metal brackets uncomfortable, as they can cut lips and gums, especially during sports.
With Invisalign’s system of clear aligner trays, you straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably without others noticing.
How is Invisalign® Different From Traditional Braces?
Invisalign® straightens your teeth just as effectively as traditional metal braces, but with a modern approach that is best suited to an active, social lifestyle. The clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible, so no one has to know they are there. And unlike traditional braces, they are removable! This allows you to brush and floss your teeth without the interference of brackets, which can contribute to tooth decay. You can pop these clear braces out to eat and drink whatever you like with no food restrictions. Traditional braces use wires and metal that can poke and irritate your gums. Invisalign® is made of smooth plastic that is comfortable to wear. The convenience of Invisalign® appeals to people in all stages of life. Enjoy the significant benefits of improving your smile with minimal impact on your appearance and how you feel.
Why Choose Us for Invisalign?
- Dr. Mohandes personally fits each patient with Invisalign clear braces and keeps them informed at every step.
- We are an Invisalign-certified provider, specially trained to create and monitor your Invisalign treatment plan for success so you can have the smile of your dreams.
- We work with you to create an affordable payment plan that suits your budget. We offer in-house payment plans and accept CareCredit. We are also in contract with many PPO insurance plans, often minimizing your costs.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
Invisalign® effectively corrects a wide variety of dental problems, including gaps in the teeth, crowding, crooked teeth, and mild to moderate alignment issues. You will begin Invisalign® treatment with a consultation, during which we determine whether you are a good candidate and answer all your questions. Not all dentists or orthodontists use Invisalign®, but we have specialized training and will create an individualized treatment plan to achieve the best results.
We’ll start with X-rays and dental impressions to create a 3D image of your teeth. Using this, we can map the exact movements of your teeth and create a virtual image of how they will look.
Based on your individualized plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners is made specifically for you. The aligners are made of BPA-free clear plastic and fit easily over your teeth. They are smooth and should be comfortable to wear. You can remove them to clean your teeth and to eat and drink. About every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, each gently guiding your teeth closer to your treatment goals. To make sure things are going well, you will have a check-up in the office every six weeks or so to monitor your progress.
How Long Will I Have To Wear Invisalign®?
Depending on the correction needed and its severity, Invisalign® usually takes approximately one year for adults. For teens, treatment duration is comparable to that of traditional braces. For the fastest results, you should wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gradually shift into place. Once you have achieved the beautiful smile you desire, we may recommend retainers to keep your teeth looking good.
What About Special Occasions or Playing Sports?
Since Invisalign® aligners are removable, you can take them out for a special night or event. If you play a contact sport and need a mouthguard, simply swap your aligners for the mouthguard while playing. If your sport does not require a mouthguard, Invisalign® lets you keep your aligners in without worrying about sharp brackets or wire ends.
Invisalign® FAQs
Do the clear aligners hurt?
When you switch to a new set of clear aligners, you may feel some mild soreness for a day or two. This passes quickly and shows that Invisalign is working to guide your teeth. If you like, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
How do I care for my Invisalign® braces?
Brush your aligners with a soft brush and mild liquid soap when you remove them. Avoid toothpastes, which are often abrasive and can scratch your aligners, making them cloudy. When not wearing your aligners, always store them in their case for protection.
Does Invisalign® stain?
Yes, the plastic can stain. This is why we suggest you never eat or drink while your Invisalign is in your mouth. The one exception is water, which you can drink with your clear aligners in place because they will not stain or damage them.
Can Invisalign treat every orthodontic problem?
No. While Invisalign treats many problems, including mild to moderate overbite, underbite, crossbite, and misalignment, it is not always suitable for the most severe cases. If you have jaw-related bite problems, you may need to consider traditional treatment options.
Is Invisalign® expensive?
No. For most people, Invisalign costs about the same as braces. It is often less because you need fewer office visits, and we do not have to adjust brackets or wires. You can correct your teeth comfortably while saving money. For an accurate cost estimate, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mohandes.
Want a winning smile in record time?
Call FM Dentistry & Orthodontics Phone Number 281-454-3152 to schedule a consultation at FM Dentistry & Orthodontics, or schedule online.
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